Forty Days in the PsalmsNäide

Something that I (Josiah) have in common with most people is that I hate to wait. A tough scenario for me is when I am supposed to meet someone somewhere, and when I show up, they aren’t there! The anxiety and obsessing begin! Did I say the right day? Right time? Am I at the right place? Did they forget about me? What a mess.

One of the few things that help me at times like these is my history with the person. Suppose it is my wife or a trusted friend. In that case, I can immediately challenge those anxious thoughts with all the times this person has not failed to be there. And, most powerfully, all of the times we have made it right even if there was a mistake in time or place.

“You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and answer my prayer!”

Psalm 4 teaches us to call on our history with God. To bring to mind the many times He has been there...not only for us alone, but for all of His people throughout the Bible. We are not starting over every time we pray! I am so thankful for that. Instead, we are rejoining a conversation and a heritage of faithfulness that stretches back to before we were born and will be there long after we are gone. Do not hesitate to stand on that foundation of faith as you pray.

RESPOND IN PRAYER:

Make a list of some of the critical times you know the Lord was with you. See where that history of faithfulness inspires you to bring current situations to Him in confident faith.